The International Surfing Association awarded its annual individual scholarship to 16 surfers from Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador and Venezuela for their dedication to education and surfing and because they proved their economic needs, the organization reported in a press release.

In total, 43 surfers from around the world were awarded $20.000, which is equivalent to $465.

The winners and their respective countries were as follows:

Argentina - Victory Josefina Muñoz Larreta
Argentina - Pearl Rojas
Costa Rica - Aaron Perez
Costa Rica - Hannia Carmiol Matarrita
Costa Rica - Madeline Samoa Inneken Solano
Ecuador - Cayetano Plaza
Ecuador - Genesis Isabel Borja Garcia
El Salvador - Willmer Emerson Escobar Lopez
El Salvador - Willmer Edgardo Escobar Lopez
El Salvador - Julissa Adriana Moody Garcia
El Salvador - Jason Steven Molina Morales
El Salvador - Jose Alejandro Martinez Castro
Venezuela - Carlos Molina
Venezuela - Michelle Solis
Venezuela - Mike Prada
Venezuela - Iriacna Maria Balza Gomez

“This is always my favourite part of the year, when we have the opportunity to support the youth of our sport, those who represent the future of the sport,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre.

“It’s amazing to see one of our scholarship winners step up to the biggest stage in sport and earn a spot at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. As surfing gains more momentum in the Olympic movement and achieves inclusion in more multi-sport events in the future, I’m sure we’ll see more and more Scholarship ambassadors shine at the top of their disciplines,” he added.

Since the program began in 2007, the ISA has awarded $348.500 to more than 350 surfers ages 18 and under.